Best Lens For Concert Photography – Prime,Telephoto & Ultra-wide
Concert photographers face a lot of challenges when they're shooting. Many concerts tend to be held in dim lighting, and musicians can move around quite quickly on stage. It's up to the photographer to keep up with those movements while managing lighting issues and crowd distraction.
Shooting with a tripod is also a difficult thing to do unless you're standing on the sidelines, so concert photographers often prefer shooting handheld rather than lugging around a tripod.
Unlike other forms of photography where you have a bit of control about your surroundings, how you time your shots, and from where you shoot, concern photography is a little more random, and you have to go with the flow.
Whether you're in a tiny room with dim lighting photographing an indie band or trying to deal with capturing blur-free photos during a rock concert, there's a certain amount of adjustment required. Having the right lens can help make that process so much smoother.
WHAT IS THE BEST CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY LENS?
A large maximum aperture is a good feature when it comes to concert lens because it will allow the most light to enter your sensor. Specifically, anything between f/1.2 and f/2.8 is ideal, because you'll be able to get the most out of your shots in dim lighting.
When it comes to focal length, it's also good to have a lens that has a long reach, particularly if you're shooting in a large auditorium. Zoom lenses are particularly good in these situations. In smaller venues, you can get away with a shorter focal length.
PRIME VS ZOOM, WHICH IS BETTER FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY?
This is a hard question to settle, and it largely depends on what context you're shooting in. That will determine whether you should invest in a prime lens or a zoom lens.
If you're photographing live music in large venues where there are huge crowds of people, a zoom lens is your best friend. You can't always dictate where you'll be located or your proximity to the musicians, so you'll have a long focal length at your disposal.
A zoom lens will benefit you whether you're shooting from the photo pit or whether you're in a mosh pit with the crowd. You'll have more control over your shot rather than spending ages trying to get a blur-free angle with a lens that has a shorter focal length.
So, in general, zoom lenses are more versatile when it comes to shooting concert photography.
However, prime lenses have their uses too. Prime lenses at f/1.4 can be very useful for lighting purposes when shooting in dim places. You also get a better shallow depth of field with these lower apertures, and you can set a higher shutter speed when shooting. You may end up with higher-quality images when shooting on a prime lens, but this depends on where you're standing/sitting in a stable place. Unlike zoom lenses, prime lenses dictate stricter conditions of use.
LIST OF BEST LENSES FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
IMAGE | NAME | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST STANDARD PRIME LENS FOR CONCERT  | CANON EF 50MM F/1.4 USM | ||
BEST TELEPHOTO LENS FOR CONCERT  | TAMRON SP 70-200MM F/2.8 DI VC G2 | ||
BEST WIDE-ANGLE LENS FOR CONCERT  | SONY FE 20MM F1.8 G | ||
BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENS for CONCERT  | NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2.8 S |
REVIEW OF THE BEST LENSES FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
WHICH TYPE OF LENS DO YOU WANT?
BEST PRIME LENSES FOR LIVE MUSIC
1. NIKON AF S NIKKOR 85MM F/1.8G FIXED LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This 85mm prime lens is one of Nikon's best budget offerings, and a great choice for your concert photography kit. The f/1.8 aperture is not just its major selling point here, but it is also essential for concert photography. It also lets you get that coveted shallow depth of field effect with this aperture. This is also a good lens for portrait studies if you're so inclined.
Although this isn't a zoom lens, it still has a pretty decent macro performance, so if you're shooting in a large venue, you should be able to manage some close shots. You won't have trouble with clarity either; photos would be crystal-clear, even when shooting wide open.
This is a very affordable entry-level lens, so if you're new to concert photography and you'd like to give it a go, but even professionals can benefit from this all-rounder with a fast AF and sharp optics.
Design:
The lens has a large plastic body (with a metal mount) and is compatible with both DX and FX formats. It has 9 elements in 9 groups and doesn't weigh too much. Nikon's AF-S motor gives you instant manual focus override, and it has an internal focus system so nothing moves around outside. The lens also uses a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) so AF noise is minimal.
Nikon's multi-coating (SIC) helps improve image quality by managing ghosting and flare issues, and you won't have to deal with much distortion either. You get some pretty decent bokeh with the 7-blade diaphragm as well.
Performance:
This is an outstanding performer if you're looking for a concert photography lens, and it gives great results when shooting in low light. You can also achieve a really smooth background blur. AF speed is decent, and the pictures will turn out tack-sharp at every aperture, so even if you're shooting in a crowded location, you won't have to deal with camera blur.
The lens is pretty light as well, so it's easy to shoot on handheld and you won't have to carry around a tripod. You can just slip it into your bag and you're good to go.
What I liked about this lens:
2. CANON EF 50MM F/1.4 USM - BEST CANON LENS FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
This 50mm lens is a popular favorite, and it's definitely in the running for the best Canon lens for concert photography. It's small enough that you can easily carry it around or keep it in a pocket without feeling the weight. If you're going on holiday and have several concerts to attend, this is the lens to bring. It's higher shutter speeds is great for clicking pictures in low light concerts.
Since it's a relatively modern lens, the focus is electronic, and Canon's USM gives you pretty silent focus as well. When shooting with 50mm f/1.4 lenses, you can expect softer corners, and this is the case with this lens as well, but you get a lot of sharpness when shooting closer to f/8, so you can experiment a bit with that.
DESIGN:
As a budget lens, this is a pretty easy lens to figure out, and has a fast learning curve. It's particularly good for beginners. The lens has 8 elements in 6 groups and uses Gaussian optics to combat optical imperfections. You can switch to manual focus by just grabbing the focus ring, and you get a decent AF speed. The lens is largely plastic with a metal mount, and it's great value for money.
PERFORMANCE:
It's difficult to go wrong with a lens like this, and it's perfect if you're shopping on a shoestring budget. It's great for shooting open-air concerts in natural light, or any outdoor event. However, it also performs decently in low light.
It's quite convenient to have on hand, and won't take up much space in your bag at all. The perfect concert companion, and definitely one of the most budget-friendly lenses for concert photography!
What I liked about this lens:
BEST TELEPHOTO CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY LENSES
3. TAMRON SP 70-200MM F/2.8 DI VC G2
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
When it comes to the best concert photography lens, we can't forget this lens from Tamron. It's pretty sharp at this price point, and it's a great alternative to the usual Nikon and Canon lenses.
NOTE: Professionals and beginners, consider this TAMRON SP 70-200MM F/2.8 DI VC G2 the best budget third-party lens for Canon and Nikon cameras.
Even when you're shooting wide open at 200mm, you can expect crisp snaps. This is a DSLR lens with internal focus and internal zoom, so there's no shifting of outside elements while you shoot.
You get a pretty fast AF speed and it's also quite accurate. Not much noise to bother about either; it focuses silently and surely. A huge bonus is Tamron's VC feature which reports up to five stops of correction. You'll get a lot out of this feature if you're shooting handheld. If you need even more focal length, the lens is compatible with Tamron teleconverters as well.
Design:
This is a large lens with a black finish and metal barrel, and the weather-sealing makes it ideal for shooting live music outdoors. The lens is also fluorine-coating to protect against smudges.
The zoom and focus rings are rubberized and easy to grab, and a focus limiter control is available too. The VC switch has a couple of modes available to give you some additional flexibility while shooting. The tripod collar is also pretty impressive, and the lens is compatible with 77mm filters.
Performance:
If you wanted a Nikon or Canon lens of this caliber, you might be paying twice as much. But with this lens from Tamron, you get it all at a relatively reasonable price. Not only do you get sharp, clear photos and a strong AF system, bokeh is also really good. You won't be dealing with much distortion, and the lens can focus quite close too.
Also, low light performance is strong, so this is a great lens for indoor and outdoor concerts. No matter the venue or the size of the crowd, you can take this along. All in all, a great mid-range option if you can't afford some of Canon or Nikon's more expensive offerings.
What I liked about this lens:
4. CANON EF 70-200MM F/2.8L IS III USM
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This is a classic telezoom lens that will be a great addition to any photographer's arsenal, and it's one of the best lenses for concert photography you can buy. This is because long telephoto range is very much essential for capturing crystal clear pictures and videos in concerts. Although this lens isn't cheap, it's well worth each cent. Whether you're framing full body shots of your favorite musician or taking close-ups at 200mm, this lens has you covered.
AF speed is almost immediate, so you won't be racing to keep up with each new performance. And you'll get a good amount of sharpness so your photos will be clean and crisp. The wide maximum aperture is great for shooting in low light. So outdoor events after dark or indoor concerts are easy pickings when you've got this lens. Keeping your camera steady in a concert is not easy. So having an image stabilization in your camera is a huge plus here.
Design:
This is a pro lens, and you can expect it to have a good bit of heft to it. It's got a largely metal body, and you may be shooting mostly stationary or with a tripod, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of taking this to the next concert. The white barrel makes it ideal for outdoor use in the sun because the lens won't heat up, and the lens is also weather-sealed so you can use this camera for outdoor concerts.
Multi-coatings also help to manage ghosting and flare issues as well as smudges. The zoom and focus rings are quite large and accessible and turn with some resistance. There's also a focus limiter switch and several image stabilization modes to choose from. The lens comes with a large padded case which is handy.
Performance:
Although this isn't a walkaround lens, you'll get some excellent optics with this. It's sharp and fast, and distortion really isn't a problem. If concert photography is just one of your niches, you'll get a lot of use out of this lens because it's so versatile.
Macro performance is decent as well, and the lens is superbly built. You'll see some good color and contrast in your shots. Whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors, day or night, this is definitely a winner from Canon.
What I liked about this lens:
5. SONY E 55-210MM F4.5-6.3 LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This is an affordable lens that's a great choice for beginners who are just getting into photographing live music. It's small and light, so you can just slip it into your bag and take it to a gig. It's largely plastic but has a metal mount, so it won't weigh you down at all, and it's a real steal at this price.
With Sony's Optical Steady Shot, you won't have any issues with image stabilization. Autofocus speed is pretty good, and you don't have to worry about whirring noises from a budget lens disrupting a chilled encore. It's also good to have on hand in dim lighting, and will still take some great snaps. The zoom ring is pretty large and tactile and turns easily. You'll get really sharp results at f/.63, so the lens has a good macro performance as well.
To give a wrap, this popular telephoto zoom lens from Sony will do more than you wish to explore with it. Give it a try!!
What I liked about this lens:
BEST ULTRA-WIDE LENSES FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
6. CANON EF 16–35MM F/2.8L III USM
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This is a premium ultra-wide lens that's bound to impress with its brilliant optics. Although at this price it might be an investment for intermediate to pro-level photographers, it's great for shooting action. Fast movements and dance numbers that are a mainstay of many modern concerts can easily be captured with this lens.
It's easy to operate, so even if you're a beginner, you can test out this lens. Focus is outstanding, and all of it works internally. The AF speed is almost instantaneous, and always accurate. If you're shooting in a crowded venue where you're being jostled around by people, this is a great lens to have on hand because your snaps will be blur-free. It's also a good option for night shoots.
Design:
Part of Canon's L-series, the maximum aperture here gives you plenty of light to play with. The lens coatings are particularly effective and help to cut down on flare and ghosting issues while providing an improved contrast. Fluorine coating also helps to keep the lens clean. This lens looks pretty good; the black finish is premium-like, and the lens is overall very ergonomic and nice to hold.
The zoom and focus rings are well placed and turn easily, and there are no extra switches on the lens (excluding the AF/MF switch) to crowd up the space. The lens is also weather-sealed, so taking it along for an outdoor concert is no big deal, although you may need to add in a filter to completely protect the front of the lens. You need 82mm filters for this lens. A lens pouch for portability is also included, and the lens hood is great for protecting from reflections.
Performance:
This is an excellent lens that won't disappoint even the most seasoned photographer. It's super sharp from center to corner, especially at f/11. It's a sizable lens, but still pretty easy to carry around. It won't be a burden. The brilliant, spot-on focus is another plus and makes shooting a breeze. The contrast is great, and you won't have to deal with any aberrations. You'll get excellent results whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors.
What I liked about this lens:
7. SONY FE 20MM F1.8 G
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This is a light, affordable lens that would be a superb addition to your photography kit, aside from being one of the best lenses for concert shots. It's light and easy to carry around.
You'll get a lot of natural, realistic shots with this 20mm lens, and its two eXtreme Dynamic (ED) linear motors make focusing a breeze. AF speed is quick and near-silent, while also being very accurate. You can get up close with your shots as well.
When shooting wide open at f/1.8, expect sharp optics from edge to edge. Actually, the lens is pretty sharp across the aperture range, so capturing photos in the concerts is much easy and the results are pretty satisfactory.
Design:
The lens is of polycarbonate construction (part of Sony's G-series), and it feels quite tough and sturdy, even though it's not really heavy. The focus and aperture rings are rubberized and ridged, and easy to grab as well as being placed conveniently.
If you're into videography, you can also adjust the lens iris very quietly, which is a benefit. The focus and aperture rings turn easily (the latter in one-third stops). There's an AF-lock button as well as the AF/MF switch, and the lens also comes with a flower-shaped hood. The lens is easy to handle, and the top-quality plastic construction makes it quite light. It's also weather-sealed, which is a huge bonus.
Performance:
At this price, this lens is a steal. It's particularly sharp when shooting at the maximum aperture, and it's probably at its best at around f/4. There's minimal distortion, and color and contrast are rendered beautifully across the aperture range.
Bokeh is also brilliant, and you'll get a lovely soft effect when shooting at optimal distances. The focus system is particularly on-point, and the lens is also great for vlogging, with the motors being quick enough that they can keep up easily.
What I liked about this lens:
BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENSES FOR CONCERT
8. NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2.8 S - BEST NIKON LENS FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
If you're in the market for a zoom lens, this is the best Nikon lens for concert photography out there. Although it's not in everyone's budget, it's a premium lens that's sure to get you some outstanding photos.
The lens is excellent for macro shooting and remains sharp even at f/2.8. With the Multi-Focus System, the lens focuses pretty fast and has incredible accuracy as well. Thanks to Nikon's Stepping Motor, AF is virtually silent and you won't hear a thing.
The lens has no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), but it'll work with the built-in stabilization of your Nikon cameras to cut down on camera shake and give you some great, blur-free shots.
Design:
The lens is made of a combination of plastic and metal, so it's both large and heavy and feels pretty well-built. The weather-sealing means you can take this anymore, and a rear rubber gasket provides an extra layer of protection.
Despite the size, it's a well-balanced lens, and the zoom and focus rings are smooth and rotate easily. There's also a customizable Fn button, and a handy OLED display (you can turn it off, though). The petal-shaped hood is a nice addition too.
Performance:
If you're shooting live music, you can't go wrong with this lens. It's quite sharp and very well-made. The addition of a programmable control ring is a plus, and bokeh is particularly excellent. It shoots great video as well, and focus breathing isn't an issue. You won't have any complaints if you're investing in this lens.
What I liked about this lens:
9. CANON EF 24-70MM F/2.8L II USM
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Features:
This is ultra-sharp for a zoom lens, and it's quite popular with pro photographers. It is a bit heavy, but AF speed is brilliant and just the quality you'd expect from a Canon lens. Focus is internal, so nothing shifts externally. Zooming is evenly-spaced, but you may need more than one finger to handle the ring.
This lens also performs outstandingly when it comes to macro shots, so getting those close-ups mid-concert should be no big deal. It's sharp no matter how close you focus.
Design:
This is a lens that features the latest cutting-edge optical technology, with UD elements to manage any chromatic aberration. The lens is Multi-coated (including a Fluorine coating) to help protect from flare, ghosting, and any smudges.
The 9-blade diaphragm gives you some pretty good bokeh, and the focus and zoom rings are covered in a rubber alloy. The lens has a good amount of dust and weather-sealing, as well as a zoom lock, and Canon promises some shake and shock-resistance as well. Particularly useful if you're caught in a huge crowd during a concert.
Performance:
This is one of Canon's best all-rounders, and it's ideal for all kinds of uses including concert photography. It's tack-sharp at wide apertures and has great color and contrast. Although it is large, it's easy to handle and works like a charm. If you only need one lens that can do everything, this is a great option to consider.
What I liked about this lens:
LENS BUYING GUIDE FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether you're shooting stills or taking video, you need to have a proper idea of what features your lens should have when it comes to concert shoots. Let's look at some of the most relevant factors that will really help when it comes to shooting live music.
Apertures between f/1.2 to f/2.8 are ideal when shooting concerts. Unless you're at a concert outdoors, you need as much light as possible. Larger apertures let a lot more light into the sensor and you can shoot at higher shutter speeds, so your pictures are crisper and blur-free. If you're shooting with a narrower aperture, you may have to use a higher ISO or slower shutter speeds.
When you're at a concert, you'll be sitting amidst a large group of people who are excited to hear music. If you're at a festival or an outdoor gig, this means there'll be a fair amount of noise and distraction, not to mention movement.
Image stabilization is a valuable feature to look for in a lens, and it'll ensure that you can shoot handheld without worrying about compromising on image quality. It also means you don't have to carry around a tripod to balance your lens. It can be difficult to set up a tripod when you're caught in a huge throng of people. It's much easier to deal with camera shake when your lens has a good IS system.
Concert photography can involve a lot of quick movements and maybe even dancing. In that case, you need a good autofocus system so your lens can pick up on those changes without creating blurry photos.
Your lens autofocus should be quick, fast, and silent. Any additional noise can distract fellow audience members, so having quiet autofocus is a real blessing. Full-time manual focus override is also a good feature to watch for because it allows you to quickly switch to manual focus.
A fixed lens with a long reach or a good telephoto or zoom lens are both great options to consider when buying a lens specifically for concert photography.
A larger focal length gives you a lot more room so you can easily take close-ups as well as wide shots. This is particularly useful if you're shooting at a large venue where you might not necessarily be very close to the stage.
On the other hand, you can just go for a faster prime lens if you usually shoot concerts in small venues because you won't need that much reach.
Shooting outdoors can be a challenge if you have a lens that's not up to the mark. Weather-sealing is a very important consideration when buying a lens, especially if you mostly shoot outdoors.
The lens should be coated to protect from dust and moisture because a sudden storm at a music festival won't stop the gig in its tracks.
So if you want to shoot concerts outdoors, make sure your lens is weather-sealed. Lenses can be expensive, so it's a good idea to secure as much protection as you can for your equipment.
CONCLUSION
So now you know all about the best lenses for concert photography, and you should be up to date on the new tech that's on offer!
The lens you buy depends on whether you're using it exclusively for concerts, whether you're using it indoors or outdoors, and whether you're more interested in compact, light models or can manage to sling about a heavy lens. There's a lot to think about, but all of the lenses on this list will be great choices for concert shoots, so make sure you check them out!
